October 25, 2012

ESTABLISHED 1921 October 25, 2012

Volume 91, Issue 14

www.laloyolan.com Your Home. Your Voice. Your News. loyola marymount university

Worth of college education under fire NEWS ANALYSIS

Rising college debt and “tight” job market prompts questions about the value of a college education.

By Casey Kidwell Asst. News Editor

“An innocent person is more likely to die being struck by lightning than executed by the state,” she said. “This type of punishment is reserved for the worst of the worst.”

The next expert to present his case was Ronald Smith, the current vice mayor of Lancaster, Calif. He approached the issue philosophically, beginning his pitch with asking the audience what they think are the “reasons for law.” He continued in using historical examples to explain that “laws are created to prevent chaos.”

“Imagine if we didn’t have justice for criminal victims,” Smith said. “If we [didn’t] have this tool, citizens may take punishment

“These graduates were told that a diploma was all they needed to succeed, but it won’t even get them out of the spare bedroom at Mom and Dad’s.”

Megan McArdle, author of the Sept. 17 Newsweek cover story “Is College a Lousy Investment?” wrote the above statement in regards to the position of many recent graduates who she believes are struggling to find jobs as they begin to pay back the debt they accrued in college.

In her article she asked readers: “Is all this education in college investment really worth it?” McArdle says she fears it is not. While she acquired a college education, one which her parents spent more money on than their own house, McArdle still writes that “education is a lot more expensive than when I was in school and jobs seem to be getting scarcer, not more plentiful.”

While McArdle noted that the average price of all goods and services has risen by 50 percent but college education prices have doubled, a USA Today article titled “College costs going up at slower rate,” published Oct. 24 stated that “at private universities, the average net price this year – $13,380 – is lower than the net price in 2008-09.”

The article said that this is due to the fact that the rapid growth of federal aid grant in recent years has appeared to be leveling off and “tuition continues to outpace inflation and growth in family income.”

Economist Sandy Baum, who authored

See Death Penalty | Page 2

See College | Page 3

Liana Bandziulis | Loyolan

David Koechner adopts multiple personas at “Comedy for a Cause” ASLMU’s annual comedy event featured the ‘Anchorman’and ‘The Office’star who spoke about his own experiences, portrayed several characters, including one in a fat suit (pictured above), and performed a comedic mashup of popular songs.The event took place last Tuesday, Oct. 23 in Burns Back Court. For more photos and to read News Intern Ali Swenson’s coverage of the event, visit laloyolan.com.

Panel debates legality of death penalty In light of California’s Proposition 34, LMU hosts dialogue on capital punishment.

By Allison Croley Asst. News Editor

Murder, torture and rape are some of the major reasons behind capital punishment and the debate about California’s Proposition 34 – which proposes the abolishment of the death penalty. In an attempt to engage LMU students in this debate, Loyola Law School’s Center for Restorative Justice sponsored an event called “Round Table on the Death Penalty” in the U-Hall Ahmanson Auditorium

during Convo on Tuesday, Oct. 23.

Four experts in law, criminal justice and restorative justice formed a panel at the front of the auditorium and had seven to eight minutes to pitch their opinion about Prop. 34.

The first expert to present her case was Michelle Hennessy, an experienced Los Angeles prosecutor. She spoke to the absurdity of “death-penalty-worthy crimes” and claimed that “the reason we have the death penalty is for deaths of rape, murder and torture.” To ease popular concern for innocent convicts, she explained that criminals deserving of capital punishment take an unusually long time to sentence, and that capital punishment cases are few and far between.

Event addresses reality of daily life for the homeless Activity demonstrates that items most view as trash can be essential for the homeless.

By Jenna Abdou News Intern

What would you do if all you had was a plastic bag, an egg carton and an empty cereal box to keep you warm on a cold, rainy night?

Do you think you could survive? While some might consider these items to be useless and worthless, for individuals who are homeless, these may be among their only resources.

This week, the MAGIS Service Organization, Isang Bansa (IB) and First To Go Community have planned events, and are even sleeping outside, to promote Homeless Awareness Week on campus.

CROSS-PLATFORM With the presidential election in its last leg, two of our columnists assess the candidates’ platforms.

2012 Elections, Page 6

One of the event’s leaders, Sarah Yamamoto, a senior mechanical engineering major, explained that the groups’ goal is “to get people who overlook Homeless Awareness Week to at least stop and think about those who are homeless or are on the verge of becoming homeless.”

Tuesday’s “Trash Into Treasure” event focused on demonstrating just that idea.

Twenty-five students gathered in St. Robert’s Hall and were broken up into groups for an introductory survival activity.

The students were given plastic bags, egg cartons, boxes, water bottles and paper, and were asked to figure out efficient ways to stay warm on a cold night. As they struggled to do this, using plastic bags as hats and makeshift umbrellas, they reflected on the harsh realities of homelessness.

See Homeless | Page 2

Steven Douglas | Loyolan

Musical talent on display at memorial concert LMU students performed at “BTLS4SAM,” an annual concert in memory of Sam Wasson, an LMU student who died in a car accident in 2007. Wasson, a theatre arts major, was an avid Beatles fan, and the concert reflects his passion and featured numerous covers of Beatles songs. For photos and more coverage, visit the Loyolan’s Facebook page.

Index Classifieds.............................3 Opinion.........................4 2012 Elections......................6 A&E.................................7 Sports...............................12 The next issue of the Loyolan will be printed on Oct. 29, 2012.

THURS 81˚ - 60˚

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BEST PICTURE FRAME The Loyolan breaks down the Best Picture nominees for the School of Film and Television's Film Outside the Frame awards.

A&E, Page 7

October 25, 2012 Page 2

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Students reflect on the importance of service Homeless from Page 1 “It’s all about being innovative with what you have,” Yamamoto explained. She reflected on the notion that while it may be trash to some, they are vital necessities for others.

Micaela Ascercion, a sophomore communication studies major, said that she felt the event allowed her to see how easily most people take luxuries for granted.

“There are so many items we discard on a daily basis that can help people live,” Ascercion said.

“I think homelessness is a bigger issue than we realize, and I’m really glad that the MAGIS, IBs and First to Go are taking action to try and help those who, to some, may seem helpless.”

The main theme of the evening was the extent to which homelessness is a part of our world.

According to Yamamoto’s research, there are 100 million homeless people.

Many LMU students at the event shared their experiences volunteering abroad through Alternative Break trips to expand

the discussion.

Senior physics major Cassey Gatchalian explained that the children she met in the Philippines “were really creative and utilized all of their resources to the best of their abilities. They even used old straws to put flowers in and make bouquets.”

All of the students who shared their experiences reflected on the many ways individuals can be content with so little.

Bianca Francisco, a junior psychology major, affirmed this when she said, “Even though they

behavior? No,” he said. “Do we have the right to kill?”

Farrell continued to discuss the expense of capital punishment and argued that it doesn’t keep citizens any more protected. He concluded in stating that the death penalty system is “costly, inhumane and ineffective.”

The last panel member, Paula Mitchell, adjunct professor at Loyola Law School and law clerk for Judge Arthur L. Alarcón, presented facts from a sevenyear research study she and Alarcón recently finished. She explained that their research was “non-political” and aimed at understanding why death penalty sentences were taking so long and why they cost more than other trials.

The research showed that because death penalty cases have to go through four different trial phases and two habeas phases (time for defendant to appeal to federal courts), juries must be chosen with particular intent.

For this reason, unless California changes its system, death penalty cases will inevitably always take longer and cost more.

Mitchell concluded in saying that she and Alarcón “hoped that expanding the debate with how [capital punishment] is using public resources [like taxes] would broaden the moral debate.”

The event closed with a 40-minute question and answer session where members of the audience were invited to ask questions. During this time, while some stood and spoke about personal experiences and passions, LMU students stood and presented their concerns, asking questions that would potentially help them in deciding how to vote. “[This event] solidified my opinion,” junior communication studies major Monica Rosales said. “It was helpful to see more arguments for and against Prop.

34.”

Death penalty stirs debate Death Penalty from Page 1 into their own hands.”

To further his argument, he told a story of a mother walking in on her boyfriend raping her six-month-old baby. When the boyfriend saw that the mother had walked in, he proceeded in killing the baby. Smith reasoned that if we had no criminal justice system, the mother would have no problem killing her boyfriend in revenge.

Mike Farrell, actor and president of the activist organization Death Penalty Focus, spoke next, presenting the human rights argument. He began by rebuking the “bad seed theory” – which says that some people are bad from birth – and arguing that people’s actions are a result of their environment and experiences. He said that as a society, it is our job to “demonstrate options” for people from birth rather than condemn them to death.

“Is [the death penalty] sane

didn’t have a lot, they were still so happy.”

Senior marketing major Joseph Villarosa said that he “didn’t see a single kid frown” during his time volunteering in Vietnam.

The event concluded with Yamamoto leading the group in an online simulation of being on the verge of homelessness. The game, which can be found at Playspent. org, is designed to see how long individuals can last when they are about to become homeless.

As transportation and health insurance quickly dwindled away,

students immediately recognized how privileged LMU students are to live here on the bluff.

“As students here at LMU, we are so privileged in every way, compared to those in developing nations,” Villarosa said in class. “With that privilege comes [the] responsibility to put awareness out there for those who don’t see it, whether it’s in developing countries or 15 minutes south on the 405.”

Ultimately, he said, “It starts with awareness, then comes action, which is something we hope to accomplish.”

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October 25, 2012 Page 3

Changes renew ‘sense of academic rigor’ at LMU College from Page 1 this report released by the College Board Advocacy and Policy Center said, “We would expect that the economy is changing, family circumstances are changing, something would be changing in higher education as well.”

One of these major changes that McArdle has seen and believes adds to the imbalance of the rising cost of college versus the success of students with degrees in finding a job involves the federal government.

“The federal government has started dropping money out of airplanes. Aid has increased, subsidized loans have become available and the universities have gotten the money,” McArdle said.

Economist Bryan Caplan agrees, saying, “It’s a giant waste of resources that will continue as long as the subsidies continue.”

According to a 2012 study done by the College Board, 74 percent of LMU students applied for needbased aid. Seventy-two percent of this need was met with 66 percent coming from scholarships and grants and 34 percent from loans and jobs. The average financial aid package offered for first year students came out to $27,136.

Dr. Joseph Hellige, LMU’s

executive vice president and provost spoke to the “college premium” when talking about the cost of attending college. The college premium, he said, is, on average, how much more college graduates make than individuals who don’t have a college degree.

“If you go back about 30 years, the college premium was about 40 percent. That is, an individual with a college degree, on average, made about 40 percent more than someone without. The last study [done], the college premium was up to 83 percent.”

So while Hellige, like McArdle, understands that the job market is “tight,” he believes that of college is still “a very good investment.”

McArdle revealed in her article that more than “half of all recent graduates are unemployed or in jobs that don’t require a degree.”

This tied in to her point that while undergraduate students are told they need a degree in order to succeed in life, most of them find themselves unable to move out of their parents’ houses.

However, Hellige said, “Even in jobs that do not require a college degree, individuals who have one tend to succeed more than those that don’t.” He emphasized the education received from liberal arts schools like LMU helps create well-rounded individuals who can

“find a passion that makes an impact.”

Jerry Grote, a member of the graduating class of 1962 at LMU said in an interview conducted at the Annual Alumni BBQ, “The Jesuit education [makes] you a whole person. … It teaches you how to become a better person in society.” and for that he was grateful.

Hellige highlighted the new core curriculum and the Strategic Plan, which dictates that all departments and programs look at their requirements and consider making changes to best fit students’ needs, as ways the University is advancing.

He said that with these “dramatic changes” in some cases, there is a “renewed sense of academic rigor” at LMU for students as well as faculty who hope to “help students become their best selves.”

Hellige added that many of the things that set LMU apart from other institutions, such as the small classrooms and increased student engagement, are costly.

“I don’t think there’s anything dramatic that needs to be fixed, but everything needs to get better all the time. It’s not just now. A university that is not continually getting better and adding value and remaining on the forefront will fall behind,” Hellige said.

COLLEGE EDUCATION’S WORTH CON:

MEGAN MCARDLE, NEWSWEEK

“Is all this investment in college education really worth it? The answer, I fear, is that it’s not.”

INBETWEEN:

JUSTIN WOLFERS, HUFFINGTON POST

“Recent college graduates are less likely to be unemployed and make more money on average...”

PRO:

AMANDA RIPLEY, TIME U.S.

“People on every continent have realized that to thrive in the modern economy, they need to be able to think, reason, code and calculate at higher levels than ever before.”

Joanie Payne | Loyolan

Patrick Furlong

Furlong (center) poses with two of the students he taught during his time doing post-graduate service in Ecuador during a recent trip there.

11BURNING QUESTIONS

with the new De Colores coordinator

This issue,News Editor Zaneta Pereira talks to Patrick Furlong, co-founder of MAGIS and current Rains Hall resident minister, about his many roles on campus.

1. For those who may not know, due to it being on hiatus, could you sum up what De Colores is?

De Colores is a weekend immersion trip that gives students at LMU the opportunity to go down to Mexico, build homes and also get an opportunity to learn about what life is like in Tijuana, what life is like in these communities.

2. What’s the current situation with De Colores?

The situation with it is that at the moment, we’re working with a couple of groups, one of whom is Risk Management. ... We’re working with them so that the things they see as absolutely having to happen in terms [of] safety are being met. Then, we’re also working with Build a Miracle [a nonprofit that builds houses for families in need in Tijuana], to determine what things work with their team, and also to make sure we’re getting the safety and security procedures that work best for them.

3. How did you first get involved with De Colores?

When I was a student, I started going on trips probably my sophomore year, and then just had that reaction most people have [where I] became instantly in tune with what was happening and excited about the opportunities to get out there and experience a new culture. Also, for me, the more transformational part was working with Chris and Julianne North who run Build a Miracle, the organization we work alongside.

4. What was the most interesting part for you about visiting Mexico in terms of experiencing a new culture?

I think there’s a couple of things. There’s just that moment when you first cross the border and the radio goes off and you just take in the sounds, the sights, the smell and everything else. It’s always interesting to see how a borderline can change the socioeconomic situation.

5. Why should someone go on a De Colores trip?

De Colores is probably one of the strongest ways that students can understand what it means to belong to someone, what it means to fall in love with people and to kind of really pursue a life based on kinship.

Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy Azusa Pacific University’s graduate programs empower you to put compassion into action. Prepare to make a difference

6. What is the organization you currently work with?

It’s called InVenture, and ... what we do, in a nutshell, is we’re harnessing the power of ... simple text messaging so that entrepreneurs are able to text us how much they’re spending on daily inputs-outputs ... and then we send an expense sheet back over text. So, on one hand, they’re getting like a QuickBooks, a financial literacy tool that helps them balance their books, but the more important part is that we take the information that they’re sending us, plug it into an algorithm we’ve created and then generate a credit score for them. ... For someone who’s never had one before, it opens up a world of financial opportunity.

7. What attracted you to this kind of work in international development?

When you go out in service, whether it’s short term or long term, you see the world for what it is. When you see poverty firsthand, it’s no longer just statistics in a book – it’s people who have names, who’ve become your neighbors. And when you have moments like that, it’s hard to turn your back on it. I’m driven by the people I grew to love out there so that even if I’m not directly working with them, I’m working towards improving the quality of life for people.

8. How did you decide to be a resident minister?

When the opportunity came up to return to LMU and work with students in the building to connect them to faith and social justice opportunities, I couldn’t resist.

Master of Social Work Internships in the Greater Los Angeles area Integration of faith and social work practice Full-time and part-time options For more information, visit www.apu.edu/msw/.

9. Do you usually dress up as something creative for Halloween?

I’m really unoriginal with Halloween costumes. I’m a big political dork though, so I’ve dressed up as a president probably one too many times for someone as young as I am, so I probably need to move beyond that.

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy

10. What is your view on this current election?

I think it’s been fascinating. I think the most frustrating thing I see is people who are just throwing their hands up in the air and saying, “Oh, I’m done with the political process.” ... I’m just worried that there’s going to be a lot of people who sit this one out. My approach is if you sit it out, you’ve got no right to complain afterwards. ... We’ve gone through our ups and downs, but as someone who supported the president in 2008, I still really do, and I believe in his vision for America.

Alignment with current California licensure requirements Professionally active faculty who teach from personal experience A curriculum that integrates spirituality and values A blend of the theoretical and practical elements of psychology For more information, visit www.apu.edu/mft/.

11. What is your favorite thing about living in L.A.?

I love L.A. genuinely for the diversity it represents in all ways – in opinion, in food, in your ability to move from one neighborhood to another.

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To read the extended version of 11 Burning Questions, visit the News section of laloyolan.com.

Opinion Student Editorials and Perspectives

October 25, 2012 Page 4

BOARD EDITORIAL

lmu

Board Editorials represent the voice of the Loyolan. They are written in collaboration by the Executive Editorial Board.

Kevin O’Keeffe Managing Editor

Adrien Jarvis Editor in Chief

Adrien Jarvis Kevin O’Keeffe Brigette Scobas Dan Raffety Zaneta Pereira Allison Croley Casey Kidwell Jenna Abdou Ali Swenson Joseph Demes Anna Escher Allie Heck Christopher James Chelsea Chenelle Tyler Barnett Mary Grace Cerni Nathan Dines Cruz Quinonez Sam Borsos Andrew Moore Katherine Douthit Tierney Finster Ryan Johnson Chanel Mucci Lucy Olson KiMi Robinson Audrey Valli Jenny Yu Alberto Gonzalez Joanie Payne Sydney Franz Mercedes Pericas Jackson Turcotte Liana Bandziulis Leslie Irwin Kasey Eggert Andrew Bentley Ian Lecklitner Sarabella Muise Michael Rainey Kirsten Dornbush Jennifer Bruner Michael Giuntini Allayah Beamon Melissa Carver Ryanne Haymer Harrison Geron Genesis Contreras Anthony Peres Callie Douthit

Brigette Scobas Asst. Managing Editor

Dan Raffety Asst. Managing Editor

W

Loyolan Staff

Joseph Demes Opinion Editor

Why attend LMU?

hen Newsweek makes “Is College a Lousy Investment?” its cover story – as it did for its Sept. 17 issue – that’s enough to scare any student in the throes of higher education. With four years at LMU sticker-priced in the ball park of $200,000 – and tuition and housing costs increasing each year, albeit at lower rates than national averages – it makes us wonder: What makes college, and more specifically LMU, worth it?

University President David W. Burcham and Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Joseph Hellige have both heard the argument, Burcham addressing the concept during his Convocation address earlier this month, and Hellige can be found quoted on the topic in “Worth of college education under fire” on Page 1 of this issue.

Answering this question is a component of the radical change the University faces.

In his Convocation address, Burcham mentioned an initiative to raise $100 million for scholarship funding over the next three years, as well as the Strategic Plan, which will guide the University over the next eight years to reevaluate, re-access and reconfigure curriculum and requirements of all departments, programs and the University on a whole.

With this, there are ways LMU can improve. There are ways plans for improvement can fail. It is no easy task to raise millions of dollars for student scholarships and simultaneously deliver academic excellence on every level. This is a project that will require the entire community to collaborate,

but over the years, the potential positive change will be evident.

However, the close to 6,000 students – Loyolan staff included – currently at LMU will likely have graduated before many of these changes will be fully realized. These long-term changes will benefit future students, thus increasing the value of our diplomas, but why is LMU worth it now?

That can be a daunting question to answer, but in truth, every LMU student has an individual reason. Maybe it was a family member who is an alum. Maybe it was the social justice-focused mission of the University. Maybe it was the Los Angeles location. Maybe it was because it was a second choice. Maybe it was for financial reasons. Maybe it was the religious connection. Maybe it just felt right.

Your reason might be completely different, but that’s why each reason is so important: It’s personal.

So yes, this is a time of uncertainty, much the same as in the rest of the country.

And there aren’t any guarantees following graduation. But as students and members of this community, we must have faith in the reasons that brought us here, as well as in the mission statement that guides our learning. Through that education, we can hope to graduate as people who, as Hellige said, “find a passion that makes an impact.”

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What brought you to LMU? Read our Ask the Editors feature online, then share your own reasons in a comment on our site, on our Facebook page or tweet us @LALoyolan.

LMU at a crossroads: How we define ourselves GUEST EDITORIAL

W

e, the LMU community, have a choice as to who we are and who we will be by how we decide to deal with the complex and highly emotional Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

We can choose the path taken by many campuses in North America: a path of demonizing attacks, antagonism and, subsequently, a hostile and polarBy Dr. Arthur izing environGross-Schaefer ment. Or, we can choose Professor the path of one-sided programs with clear partisan positions.

As professors, we can choose to use our classrooms and our positions as campus educators to teach only one point of view and assign materials that clearly support a particular partisanship, which inevitably undercuts the nuance and complexity of the conflict. Our students can choose to form clubs and organizations that promote particular viewpoints which may deny the reality of other perspectives.

I am worried that our campus is fostering a path of one-sidedness, both within and outside of the classroom. We need to closely examine who we are as a campus community and choose who we will be through our actions and responses. Are students hearing multiple narratives and perspectives on the conflict or only one? Are there opportunities for

people from different points of view to share their stories and to listen to each other? Are we creating space on our campus for dialogue and engagement?

I do not believe one-sidedness represents the culture of intellectual inquiry and civility which are the hallmarks of LMU. I do not believe that LMU needs to follow the path of so many campuses. Instead, we can charter a different path – one that fosters nuanced understanding, respectful dialogue and academic integrity. This path should be guided by a personal principle I try to live by, as well as two more overarching quotes.

My principle is this: “An enemy is someone whose story you have not yet heard.”

There is always a need to listen to the narratives of others in a way that brings out greater compassion and understanding.

It is not easy allowing someone that you may strongly disagree with to speak their mind, but it is a path that, if undertaken with honesty, changes both the tone and the depth of the discussions and, ultimately, the relationship between the individuals involved.

As for the first quote: “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there.” This was said by Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a Muslim poet and theologian. Each side has its own sense of justice, history and truth.

Anyone with the right materials and a little background knowledge can make a case for whichever side that person wants to represent. I can create a tour

of Israel and Palestine that can support any narrative I wish to promote. There are organizations outside of LMU and individuals within LMU who have the ability to present talking points and materials for partisan purposes. Instead of fostering conflict on our campus, let us consider our campus to be a field of compassion where we can,

and Israelis where we actively listen to each other. LMU is a mission and values driven institution that strives to celebrate and promote a diverse range of viewpoints and opinions. In living out our mission, we can be a shining example of nuanced dialogue, creative programs, safety and respect.

Here are three proposals: 1. Create campuswide programs titled “Shalom/Salaam Conversations on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.”

These conversations would feature knowledgeable professors with strongly differing perspectives, but are committed to a civil, respectful and nuanced conversation. I could see the Shalom/ Salaam dialogue programs including professors such as Dr. Amir Hussain of the theology department and myself, and could also see involving students, ideally from the region, who are open to sharing their stories in a civil and nuanced fashion and are able to listen to others sharing their stories.

2. Invite professors as guest speakers in the classroom to share opposing views when discussing Israeli and Palestinian issues.

Certainly, professors have the right to control their classrooms, but bringing in other professors underscores the existence of multiple narratives and models respectful discourse between academics. I have done this with professors at UC Santa Barbara.

It’s not easy to sit in one’s own class and allow another professor to share divergent views.

“We can charter a different path, one that fosters nuanced understanding, respectful dialogue and academic integrity.” as a community, better service the path towards peace between these two peoples.

And the last quote: “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Mother Theresa said this. I am part of a fund dedicated to my son Avi Schaefer – who was killed by a drunk driver while walking back to his dorm at Brown University – the main goal of which is to help campuses around the country engage in meaningful conversations between Muslims and Jews and between proIsraeli and pro-Palestinian students. My son served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and felt it was critical to encourage dialogue with Palestinians, to listen to their stories and to help create a Palestinian state alongside a Jewish state. Our fund’s goal is about forming a dialogue between Palestinians

Nevertheless, this action represents a true academic experience and academic integrity.

3. Encourage engagement and partnership efforts in the Middle East by supporting Prophets for Peace.

Prophets for Peace is a Christian-based fund organized by the director of the Center for Christian Leadership at Auburn Theological Seminary, Dr. Katharine Henderson, that supports joint economic activities between Palestinians and Israelis. This fund, as its executive summary states, encourages engagement and partnership “through capital investment and supporting enterprises where Israelis and Palestinians are working together for mutual benefit.” The ultimate aim, according to the same summary, is to “increase the viability and capacity of a future Palestinian state in a negotiated two-state solution to the conflict and create ‘stakeholders for peace,’” which are building blocks for peaceful coexistence. We can stand by this organization and others like it by advocating for LMU and other Jesuit universities to contribute a portion of their endowments in support of this vision.

I encourage you to offer additional suggestions so we can build an academic environment that demonstrates the best LMU has to offer. We have a choice, and I pray that we choose the path less chosen: the path of civility, nuance and integrity.

This is the opinion of Dr. Arthur GrossSchaefer, a professor of the College of Business Administration. To offer suggestions or feedback, email agross@ lmu.edu. Please send additional comments to jdemes@theloyolan.com.

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Opinion

October 25, 2012 Page 5

Senkaku Islands conflict hits close to home

A

nyone keeping a close eye on international news should be well aware of the uproar which has suddenly erupted between China and Japan, born from a decades-old dispute over a small island chain in the East China Sea. Except from 1945 to 1972, when they were under U.S. control, the

By Nick Lepore S e n k a k u Islands – also Contributor called “Diaoyu” by the Chinese – have been under formal Japanese control since the end of the First Sino-Japanese War in 1895. Since the 1895 acquisition, the islands have been a source of diplomatic tension between China and Japan. Recently, however, this strife has exploded into a violent, public protest – at least on the Chinese side of things.

The San Jose Mercury News reported in the Sept. 15 article “Bay Area Chinese-Americans protest Japan’s purchase of disputed islands” that China has seen upwards of 60,000 protesters across 28 cities, “making the antiJapanese demonstrations the largest since the two countries normalized diplomatic relations in 1972.” In each of these protests, violence against Japanese products, businesses and even the Chinese citizens who use them continues to escalate. The Chinese government is getting involved as well, having repeatedly sent convoys of civilian and military ships into Japanese territorial waters around the island chain. In fact, as BBC News reported in the Oct. 3 article “China boats sail to islands amid talk of bank ‘pull-

Associated Press

Chen Guangbiao, a Chinese billionaire and philanthropist, stands on top of a car donated to owners of Japanese cars that were damaged in recent protests in Nanjing. out,’” Taiwan has begun involving itself as well, taking part in similar territorial transgressions jointly with the Chinese.

With such sudden outbursts of violence, vandalism and acts of audacity on the part of both the public and the government, it’s no surprise that many seem to think military conflict may be on the horizon between these two nations. Especially given the stubbornness of both sides in this issue, a peaceful solution seems nearly impossible. However, separated from this brewing conflict by thousands of miles of ocean as we are, many Americans have reacted with complete disinterest and are under the impression that these far-flung diplomatic tensions bear no consequences for

us. They could not be more wrong.

The United States’ close economic ties with all three parties involved, though a powerful deterrent to any possible conflict, also dramatically increase the repercussions should things continue to escalate. China depends heavily on the U.S. for employment in American factories, and we depend on them for manufactured goods. So far this year, the U.S. has imported over $37 billion worth of products from China.

From Japan, we import massive amounts of products from the high tech and automotive industries. Toyota alone accounted for 12.5 percent of the U.S. automotive market share last year, according to an Oct. 2 Auto Sales Overview Chart published by the

Wall Street Journal. The same is true of Taiwan, from which we import many of our electronics.

The U.S. is the country’s third largest export partner, with 10.9 percent of Taiwanese exports going to the States in 2008. Thus, any diplomatic or military strife in the region wields immense economic consequence for the United States and the global economy as a whole.

Additionally, the American military forces stationed in Japan also further complicates the issue.

The Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan mandates that the American forces, which have been maintained in Japan since the end of WWII, are obligated to help defend the country in the

event of an attack. As a result, if the current situation does get out of hand, American troops may be caught in the crossfire.

Even more alarming, it seems that the conflict may have already spread to our shores. The same article from San Jose’s Mercury News reports that “ChineseAmericans from throughout the Bay Area massed in [San Francisco’s] Chinatown … to denounce Japan’s purchase of an island chain that has long been the focus of a bitter dispute.”

Clearly, this issue involves the U.S. far more than most may realize. Yet Americans everywhere – and especially American politicians – seem to be turning a blind eye to the conflict. The Obama administration has yet to release any sort of formal comment with regard to the issue, so the extent and nature of what U.S. involvement might entail remains unclear for the moment.

For these and other reasons, it’s clear that the U.S. should want to do everything in its power to ensure that diplomatic relations between these disputing states do not decay to the point of further violence. The global consequences of such a conflict are simply too great and hit far too close to home for us to ignore.

Thus, even though open military conflict between these competing factions remains unlikely for the moment, the American people should most certainly regard the evolving conditions between China, Japan and Taiwan with a great degree of vigilance. If you drive a Toyota or have ever played around with an Apple product before, this may affect you more than you think.

This is the opinion of Nick Lepore, a sophomore English major from San Jose, Calif. Please send comments to jdemes@theloyolan.com.

2012 Elections

October 25, 2012 Page 6

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BREAKING DOWN THE PLATFORMS Photo: Associated Press; Design: Alberto Gonzalez and Kevin O’Keeffe | Loyolan

What do our columnists think about the opposing side’s plans?

“While [Romney’s] plan would decrease costs ... it will not leave our defense weakened.”

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s Monday’s debate showed, the economy is the

By Katherine Douthit main issue of this campaign, infusCopy Editor ing itself into every other issue, whether the topic is foreign policy or education. But what about looking at the issues through an economic lens beyond purely job establishment and the basics of our national debt? Here is an evaluation of some of Gov. Mitt Romney’s proposed plans – specifically how the economy affects health care, national defense and higher education.

Health care: According to his campaign website, “On his first day in office, Mitt Romney will issue an executive order that paves the way for the federal government to issue Obamacare waivers to all fifty states. He will then work with Congress to repeal the full legislation as quickly as possible.” Instead of the policies enacted in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”), Romney proposes to shift the power of health care to the states.

In all honesty, my biggest problem with Romney’s “plan” for health care reform does not really have to do with an opinion on Obamacare itself, but that it’s more of a cop-out relegation under the pretense of states’ rights advocacy and returning to the way things were before Obamacare. The basic tenets of Romney’s plan revolve around freedom of consumer choice and free market practices, according to his website. In 2006, Romney passed a bipartisan health care reform bill as governor of Massachusetts based on these same principles.

With this experience and the reforms’ success (see Kaiser Family Foundation’s May 2012 report “Massachusetts Health Care Reform: 6 Years Later”), I would expect Romney to, at the very least, have a plan to implement guideline policies for health care reform that would guide the states towards cohesion and equality.

Considering that consumers would be allowed to purchase insurance across state lines, according to Romney’s website, the “states’ rights” argument is effectively undermined anyways.

National defense: If the election rested solely on Romney’s rhetoric in the “National Defense” section on his campaign site, he would win by a landslide.

The way he lays out his plan and President Barack Obama’s failures statistically and comprehensively is logical and convincing, despite his lack of foreign policy experience in comparison to President Obama.

The issue addressed here is not so much the execution of foreign policy, but rather the economic handling of national defense funds. Romney argues that Obama’s previous cuts hindered our military’s ability to advance technologically, substantially reduced our Navy and prevented the military from developing a vision for our nation’s future defense.

In doing so, Romney believes that this leaves our troops more vulnerable both now and later on. Focusing on weapon production and technology and working with Congress, Romney insists on reorganization of management and establishing “clear lines of authority and accountability for each weapon system so they remain on time and on budget” so that the design and delivery cycles run shorter – cutting production costs, producing faster and allowing more time to focus on future development, according to his website. While this plan would decrease costs, like Obama’s cuts plan to, it will not leave our defense weakened or stuck with 47-year-old tanker aircrafts.

Higher education: In fairness to Romney and unfairness to our generation, neither Romney nor Obama have lent much time to their plans on higher education beyond discussion of the Pell Grant; both most recently dancing around the issue during Monday’s debate by only mentioning that college students are graduating without jobs and in debt but offering no remedy. However, Romney in particular has changed his proposal for the Pell Grant so many times that I don’t know what to believe.

The Chronicle of Higher Education outlined the meandering pathway of Romney’s position on Pell Grants in the Oct. 17 article “Tracing the Evolution of Romney’s Position on Pell Grants.” This article claims that after initially being silent on the case, Romney first spoke of the Pell Grants in praise of Rep. Paul Ryan’s plan to indefinitely freeze the maximum grant amount at $5,550 per student. He then changed his mind and said he would have the grant amount increase only with inflation.

Finally, he currently does not plan to cut educational funding, but actually said at the presidential debate on Oct. 16, “I want to make sure we keep our Pell Grant program growing.” It’s great that you say that now, Mitt, but how long are you going to stand by it? As a college student, I need to know.

This is the opinion of Katherine Douthit, a senior communication studies major from San Jose, Calif. Please send comments to kdouthit@theloyolan.com.

“Our inability to pay down our debt ... has a profound effect on ... how voters see President Obama.”

W

ith the debates over, the reality of

By Austin Collell voting is settling in. But Contributor before you cast your ballot, take a look at some of the hot button issues and the ones that have been sidestepped – and see how President Barack Obama has handled them.

Immigration: This is one of the most vital issues where President Obama has failed. When campaigning, President Obama said he would make immigration reform a firstterm issue. Obviously, he chose to pursue health care reform instead and allowed the issue of immigration to fall to the wayside. This is a serious problem for several reasons.

First, according to a June 2 Huffington Post article estimate, there are 50 million Hispanics in the United States, my family being some of them, and I can tell you firsthand that they are seriously upset that President Obama won their vote on the promise of immigration reform and did not deliver. (Yes, he pursued the DREAM Act, but one executive order and passing widespread immigration reform are two totally separate things.) Now, this by itself is not a fatal issue. Fortunately for Obama (and regrettably for me), Republicans insist on adopting an immigration policy that looks like it was written by a five-year-old racist, so there is no real danger of them swaying the Hispanic vote.

The serious problem, however, is that he chose health care over immigration. This had a direct effect on the economy: Health care reform cost the government upwards of $1 trillion over 10 years, according to President Obama’s own estimate.

Immigration reform could have jumpstarted the economy much more quickly and would have added less to our massive deficit.

Debt: Every single Democrat I have met has lambasted President George W. Bush for virtually every act he made in office, but the issue almost always at the top of their list was the debt accumulated by the U.S. to pay for the two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Everyone was livid over how Bush paid for two wars on a credit card by borrowing billions from China and how our great-grandchildren would

still be burdened with his debt. As of October 2012, the current U.S. national debt is $16.1 trillion, according to the U.S. Debt Clock. On President Bush’s last day in office, the official U.S. debt was $10.626 trillion, meaning President Obama has spent more money in three and a half years than President Bush spent in both his terms combined, according to CBS News. As many of you may remember, recently the U.S. also had our AAA+ credit rating downgraded for the first time in American history. Our inability to pay down our debt, manage taxpayer money or even pass a budget has a profound effect on how we are seen in the world and how voters see President Obama.

Military: President Obama’s military policy is interesting for several reasons. First, he pulled all remaining U.S. troops out of Iraq, something most Americans seemingly have completely forgotten, yet something the majority of people wanted. Second, quite surprisingly, he has been a strong advocate of the use of UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles, or “drones”). According to CNN, as of September 2012, President Obama had authorized 283 drone strikes; six times what President Bush ordered throughout his entire term in office. Third, President Obama ordered Operation Neptune Spear, which used members of the U.S. Navy SEALs elite “SEAL Team 6” to kill the most wanted man on earth: Osama Bin Laden. His military record recently took a hit with the terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya that resulted in the death of Ambassador Stevens, but I admire Secretary Clinton for accepting responsibility for the attack. The last military event that could define him as a president is Iran. There is a possibility that Obama will be the president under whom Iran obtains a functioning nuclear weapon.

Clearly, it is pivotal that this does not happen. Overall, his military record will register positively with voters, but it is vital that he “consider all options,” including military intervention, when facing a nuclear Iranian state.

This is the opinion of Austin Collell, a senior political science and history double major from Anaheim Hills, Calif. Please send comments to kokeeffe@theloyolan.com.

Graphic: Alberto Gonzalez and Sydney Franz | Loyolan

Arts & Entertainment Film, Literature, Music, Restaurants and Theatre

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Bryce Hirschberg (director), “Counterfeiters”

Jack Oles (director), “Delilah”

What is the plot of your film?

“Counterfeiters” follows a group of college dropouts who come up with a scheme to create counterfeit money, but when they get too greedy, they learn that there are no shortcuts in life. I decided to make this film in one continuous shot because I wanted the audience to watch the entire process.

What problems did you run into?

The film was shot hand held with a heavy camera. My cinematographer, Will Carnahan (’10), made me look great with how well he handled the camera through the difficult shot I asked of him. The actors did a fantastic job as well with remembering their lines. The film took seven takes to be perfect.

How did the film come to be?

I have always been interested in the art of counterfeiting and deception. The main reason I became a filmmaker was so I could play “make believe” for my career.

Movies give you an excuse to be a bad guy without facing actual consequences. ... I could break as many [rules] as I want in movies.

Catherine Wolf (producer), “Reclamation”

How did you choose to portray this futuristic setting?

I was interested in creating a low-tech, yet advanced world.

The technology is advanced, but the world itself is gritty and rundown. We attempted to focus on the addictive qualities of the world and how [the protagonist] would react/respond to them.

What made you decide to work on “Reclamation?”

I’d always wanted to work with Dave Lehleitner, [the director]. He came to me with some ideas of what he wanted for the film. I basically made it my goal to get whatever he needed to achieve his vision. I kept an eye on progress and made sure we were always pushing forward.

Which directors influence you the most, particularly for this film?

I found myself looking to two of my favorites, Darren Aronofsky and Guillermo Del Toro, but most of all I looked to sci-fi films and filmmakers from the ‘80s and ‘90s, most notably Ridley Scott and Terry Gilliam and their films “Blade Runner’”and “Brazil.”

What relevance does the subject have to LMU students?

“Delilah” is an expressionistic journey of self-discovery set in the California desert. The broader theme in “Delilah” is discovering and embracing who you are.

I think not only LMU students, but all young people [are] about to make the step into the real world.

Where did you shoot the film?

We shot at Point Dume Beach in Malibu at sunrise. It was [also] a lot of fun turning St. Rob’s Hall into a ballroom, transforming an athletic building basement copy room into an electronic lab and of course filling the first floor hallway in St. Rob’s with smoky haze and setting off the fire alarm.

What is the film shoot like?

The project had been one of the bigger crews I’d ever worked with.

Keeping track of paperwork and such got tricky at points. We had more of it due to the safety regulations and requirements on behalf of the treatment plant we shot at. Making sure we had what we needed on that front kept me busy.

What was the biggest challenge while making “Delilah?”

We were shooting on location in the Mojave Desert. I think the biggest challenge in making “Delilah” was balancing planned shots with spontaneity – some of the best stuff we filmed wasn’t planned. I really have to credit my team with being able to adapt quickly.

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s college students, it’s paramount for us to toe the fine line between fiscal practicality and pipe dreams. In the course of preparing for reality, it can be daunting to listen to the naïveté of our young little hearts. Sometimes, however, it needs to be done in spite of that.

So is the theme of James Swirsky and Lisanne Pajot’s recent documentary “Indie Game,” which follows the unsettling lifestyle of three uncommissioned video game developers. In the course of completing their

By Brian Leigh digital opuses, the subContributor jects grapple with poverty, depression and general feelings of chagrin. Even though it isn’t pretty, we come to admire them not just for their visual bravado, but also for their intrepid persistence on the journey of life.

This is the story of three smart guys who could have used their digital knowledge in a variety of ways. This is a story about refusing to sell out, even when it makes your life a little, or perhaps a lot, harder. This is the story of very real people chasing very unrealistic dreams.

The film oscillates between humorous and morbid, but strikes its most significant chord when it leans toward the latter. At one point the interviewer asks Phil Fish, the man behind a game called “Fez,” what would happen if he didn’t finish his much-anticipated project.

His response: “I would kill myself. I would kill myself. That’s like my incentive to finish it because then I get to not kill myself.”

Initially, caring that much about a twodimensional character seems ludicrous. But when you take a step back, you can discern the admirable passion beneath his sentiment.

Fish is slaving over something he genuinely cares about. His life’s work is something he’s genuinely proud to exhibit. Early in the film, it’s made clear that this profession, when done properly, can be very lucrative. But that’s not why any of our subjects do it. Not a single one of them. They do it because it’s who they are and what they love. They do it because it’s

Devin Wilson (director), “Virtual Inc.”

What inspired you to make this film?

My previous short dealt with the theme of reaching clarity. “Delilah” focuses more on the freedom and excitement, which come from that moment of clarity. I think everyone has experienced a time in his or her life where they’ve wanted to steal a car and drive out to the desert just to see what happens.

Documentary speaks to senior pondering future

October 25, 2012 Page 7

What advice would you give to other student producers?

Look for projects that are unique or challenging. Learn to talk to people and build relationships.

Give your director as many options and choices as you can. Stay organized and focused, and make sure others do as well. And know when to put your foot down and say “no.”

-Chelsea Chenelle, asst. A&E editor Photos: Bryce Hirschberg, Jack Oles, Devin Wilson, School of Film and Television; Graphic: Alberto Gonzalez | Loyolan

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“Indie Game: The Movie” chronicles three uncommissoined video game developers.

what they’re good at. They do it because they wouldn’t feel complete doing anything else.

Devoid of context, that message still resonates. But watching the film as a senior at LMU – as someone who’s less than one year away from deciding between gainful employment and fidelity to idealism – made it one of the most poignant things I had ever seen.

I know that it may be fiscally impractical.

I know that I may just be be another starryeyed, wannabe writer hack; a real-world noob who’s yet to endure the harsh realities of a postrecession job market. In fact, I’d wager a large sum that that’s precisely the case.

But after watching this film, I was rededicated to following my dreams, shunning conservatism (not the political kind) and becoming the man I think I can be. As Tommy Refenes, one of the featured masterminds behind “Super Meat Boy,” says during the film, “You kinda have to give up something to have something great.”

I think that’s a message every LMU student – and every college student in general – could stand to be taught.

This is the opinion of Brian Leigh, a senior screenwriting major from Glen Head, New York. Please send comments to cjames@theloyolan.com.

within 72 hours of port-in activation to request your service credit. The service credit will be applied to the first or second invoice following the 61st day after the eligible port-in activation.

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Arts & Entertainment

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Nonprofit fights human trafficking with fashion

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gallant man is a man who enjoys fashion, a man who is courageous and a man who respects women. Gallant Suits, a nonprofit suit company, is using the power of a suit to promote awareness of an issue that is currently thriving w i t h i n miles of this campus.

On Sunday, Oct. Nothing but 21, the Ed‘Nett gar Varela

By Tyler Barnett Fine Arts A&E Intern Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles hosted the launch of Gallant Suits, a suit company on a mission to end human trafficking in Los Angeles. Gallant Suits was founded by recent USC graduate Andrew Park, who combined his love for tailored suits with his

desire for social change to create the first custom suit company committed to the fight against human trafficking.

Before attending this event, I had no idea that something as heinous as human trafficking could be happening so close to where I live. It never crossed my mind that L.A., the Mecca of opportunity, was also a host for modern-day slavery. Perhaps it is the allure that has allowed it to become one of the highest frequency locations for human trafficking in the U.S. “This place [L.A.] where I used to hang out with my friends was also a place of slavery,” Park said.

L.A.’s closeness to international borders, large number of ports and vast economy make it the perfect location for human traffickers to import foreign workers.

However, it is not only the characteristics of L.A. that make it a target for human trafficking; it is the lack of awareness of the people.

The problem with human trafficking is that it appears to be an invisible issue. How can we work

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towards fixing it if we don’t even know that it exists?

I believe our campus is the perfect place to spread this awareness. As LMU students, we have all been blessed with the opportunity to attend a university with a mission to educate the whole person, encourage learning and promote the service of faith and justice. With community service being one of our core values, we can be a large proponent to change the status of human trafficking in L.A. Various organizations on and off campus have made great efforts towards denouncing human trafficking and raising awareness about the cause. Prop 35, which is included on the November ballot for California voters, would increase prison sentences for those involved in trafficking, as well as fines. The passage of this proposition could be a step in the right direction.

But I’d like to see more publicity of the issue and more resources available on how students can get involved in the fight to end human trafficking. It would be great to see human trafficking awareness rise to the same level as domestic violence and breast cancer awareness. I feel that it is imperative for people to understand that human trafficking is a local issue.

Gallant Suits provides suits that are hand-stitched, customtailored and custom-designed, to provide freedom and safety to women enslaved in Los Angeles while also encouraging men to take social action. Addressing the crowd at the event, Park said, “We live here and we love our city, but we need to go out there and serve our city. We believe that suits cannot just be used to express men

Tyler Barnett | Loyolan

The nonprofit couturier Gallant Suits lauched its line with a fashion show.

Founder Andrew Park (fourth from left) employs victims in L.A. to create suits. fashionably. Suits can be used to make a statement that masculinity goes beyond just the clothes that you’re wearing.”

Park teamed up with Freedom and Fashion and the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) to take a holistic approach to ending human trafficking in L.A. Together, they cover government policies and the rescue and recovery of victims while engaging the consumer masses with a desirable product. Freedom and Fashion is an organization founded by Bonnie Kim that promotes conscious consumerism as a means to fight human trafficking, modern-day slavery, child labor and human rights violations.

CAST and its CEO Kay Buck opened the first shelter for trafficked women in the U.S. CAST is an organization that provides outreach, rehabilitation and policy advocacy for human trafficking

victims. Both organizations are based out of Los Angeles and provide the perfect opportunity for LMU students to get involved in the fight against human trafficking.

Like Park, we all may have hung out or walked through a place where human trafficking is currently happening. According to CIA reports, up to 17,500 people are trafficked into the United States every year. As a campus, we can work together towards diminishing this number by coordinating volunteer work with organizations such as CAST, having panels to discuss the issue of human trafficking and hear stories of survivors, while also supporting socially responsible companies like Gallant Suits.

This is the opinion of Tyler Barnett, a sophomore studio art major from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. Please send comments to tbarnett@theloyolan.com.

Exploring Asian Culture Two weeks in Four Asian Cities May 14 — 29, 2013

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An introduction to the culture and history of East Asia for understanding today’s Asian business world

Spring Course (no extra tuition) / Open to Freshmen and Sophomores

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Information Sessions held in Hilton 302

Thursday, November 1 from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

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For more information contact: Marki Hackett, Program Coordinator Center for Asian Business (310) 338-7594 / Website: http://cba.lmu.edu/cab

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Sports

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October 25, 2012 Page 9

ASK AN ATHLETE

MEN’S TENNIS TEAM

WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE FOR HALLOWEEN? JUNIOR

SENIOR

SEBASTIAN BUSTAMANTE:

NICHOLAS BJERKE:

ETAJHA GILMER:

JUNIOR DEFENDER

JUNIOR MIDFIELDER/DEFENDER

Soccer player from Barcelona sporting club

Daniel Simko (LMU teammate)

Jellyfisher from “Spongebob Squarepants”

Clay Matthews (Packers linebacker)

DARIEN PYKA:

WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH? Megan Fox

Taylor Swift

Clay Matthews

Charlie Hunnam

HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS? Hard-boiled

Scrambled

Scrambled with lots of cheese

Only egg whites/ scrambled

Joanie Payne | Loyolan

Sports

October 25, 2012 Page 10

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Men’s tennis duo finishes strong at ITA Bjerke and Bustamante team up and advance to the semis of the tournament.

By Ray Ferrari Staff Writer

The two top returning players of the LMU men’s tennis team were at it again this week, making an impact at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Southwest Regional tournament in Irvine, Calif. Senior Nicholas Bjerke and junior Sebastian Bustamante advanced all the way to the semifinals in the doubles bracket.

“I think it helps their confidence, so they can believe they are there with the best in the country,” said Head Coach Brad Sceney. “But having said that, there comes a responsibility of showing that on a daily basis also.”

Nearly all of the Division I schools in the Southwest sent players to compete in both singles and doubles at the ITA Regional last weekend. The singles main draw began with the round of 128, while the doubles main draw began with the round of 64 pairs. Senior Nick Northcott and junior Daniel Simko made it in the draw for singles and doubles, as well.

Bjerke and Bustamante, originally from Norway and Ecuador respectively, were ranked seventh in the pool of participants. Because of the top-eight seeding, they were given a first round bye. Thanks to a last minute player withdrawal, they also received a second-round bye.

“We were a little lucky,”

Loyolan Archives

Senior Nicholas Bjerke (above) and junior Sebastian Bustamante teamed up last year as a doubles team, finishing 9-6 on the season. Their record included seven wins at the top spot and a 2-0 record against nationally-ranked opponents. said Bjerke.

Beginning in the round of 16, the LMU duo defeated UC Irvine’s Ryan Cheung and Shuhei Shibahara 8-5.

Then, in the quarterfinals, the No. 7 pair took down Sumeet Shinde and Kieren Thompson from the University of Arizona by a score of 8-3. On Monday, the boys from LMU finally fell 8-5 to No. 5 Yannick Hanfmann and Eric Johnson of the University of Southern California, who went on to win the tournament.

“It was certainly no sur-

prise for me to see them in the semis,” Sceney said.

“They had opportunities in that match to win also, but every loss has a lesson.”

Bjerke and Bustamante have seen a lot of the country’s best competition so far this fall. Much of the men’s team has been competing in local Futures tournaments throughout the area, including the Claremont, Costa Mesa and Irvine Futures tournaments. These events, put on by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), have featured some of the

best current and former collegiate tennis players around the world trying to make it in the professional circuits.

“Coming up on my senior season, my goal was to beat a lot of ranked players,” said Bjerke. “I’ve played well, and am playing at the level I should be playing at.”

In addition to the local ITF events, Bjerke and Bustamante were able to travel to Tulsa, Okla. for the ITA All-American Tournament.

While they did not play as well on the court, nor enjoy their time in the city, the

pair continued to gain experience against strong competition.

“All-Americans was a nice experience. We got to get a feel for different players that we don’t really get to see during season, as they are mostly from [Midwest] and East Coast schools,” said Bustamante.

Outside of tennis, the teammates said they are always hanging out and spending time together. As primarily international students, the tennis players have an instant bond that other teams may not have. This team closeness translates to performance as well.

“We are really good friends and get along outside and inside the court, which always helps to achieve good results,” said Bustamante.

Bjerke and Bustamante even live together off campus this year. The two started playing doubles midway through last spring and have grown a lot closer since.

“Now I know where he’s going and he knows where I’m going and I think we feel really comfortable together and it showed this weekend,” said Bjerke. “We just got to work on some small things and we’ll be right there.”

The team has one more event this fall at the SoCal Intercollegiate tournament hosted by UCLA next week.

After that, it’s two months off before things come to full swing with competitions from January through April.

As for Bjerke and Bustamante, Sceney said, “A strong year can put them in the NCAA tournament and that will be the goal.”

Burnett creates club after year away from LMU Moore to the Story from Page 12 to help them get on the correct path for college and life. In my experience working with these students a few times, I have learned how some kids just need a little encouragement and a helpful hand to get them to reach their goals. When they see college students who come during their class time to help them focus in school, it not only motivates them, but also gives them role models to look up to.

Sophomore dance and business double major Dominick Charlot, who is also part of the organization, said, “Tutoring students and encouraging them to go to school and rise above the stereotypes of the ‘typical minority student’ is a very rewarding experience.”

Burnett spoke about the “long-lasting relationships” he hopes to develop with the schools and their students and how grateful they have been after only six weeks of tutoring

and mentoring. However, more help is always encouraged, so he’s still accepting new volunteers.

With practices being held every Monday and Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. (scheduled to increase to four-to-five practices a week by the beginning of second semester), Kyle has created an opportunity for students to promote a reliable way for people to stay in shape and exercise.

As sophomore marketing major Francesca Casillas said, “I have greatly benefited from being apart of Running for Others because it has helped me find the motivation to continue running and training.”

She also mentioned how the service has allowed her to get more involved in the community, which she appreciates and enjoys.

If service and healthy competition isn’t enough for you, the group meets a few times in the semester to listen to speak-

INTERESTED IN WRITING FOR

SPORTS ?

Contact Sports Editor: Nathan Dines at ndines@theloyolan.com

ers, such as nutritionists and personal trainers. They give personal tips on how to maintain a healthy diet and give motivational advice on how to stay driven in your workout when no one is there for encouragement.

Burnett’s passion has developed many different outlets for our student body to capitalize on. Whether it’s service that at-

tracts you, meeting new people or these past Olympic Games making you want to get your Usain Bolt on, an outlet that covers all three has finally been presented.

This is the opinion of Andre Moore, a sophomore economics major from Culver City, Calif. Please send comments to amoore@theloyolan.com.

To join the organization, contact Kyle Burnett at kburnett126@ yahoo.com for more information.

details

www.laloyolan.com

Sports

October 25, 2012 Page 11

Lions hope to continue streak in Northwest W. Soccer from Page 12

Albert Alvarado | Loyolan

Junior midfielder Darien Pyka (right) scored in overtime on Sunday to give the Lions a 1-0 victory over conference rival University of San Francisco.

wants to score, but it’s nice.”

It certainly is nice, considering that the Lions took that scoring streak into their match against the then – No. 15 Pepperdine University.

Pepperdine was the fourth ranked team LMU played this season, and the first one it notched a win against.

Pyka said about their mentality heading into the game, “We want it more than the other team. [Pepperdine] took us for granted, so we took them off guard.”

The Lions went up 3-0 in the first 11 minutes of regulation and never looked back, shutting out Pepperdine to get their second win in a row and move up in the WCC standings.

Injuries forced the Lions to mix-up their lineup, giving more minutes to several players, among them sophomore midfielder Emily Maletis, freshman defender Cassidy Nicks and freshman midfielder Madison Heilmann.

“We had new players

who’ve had to step up due to injuries, and it’s been nice to have them step up and score goals,” Myers said. “Cassidy Nicks has come on and scored some goals. Emily struggled a little in our Santa Clara game, and she came back and scored a goal in our Pepperdine game.”

It wasn’t all offense for the Lions. Redshirt junior goalkeeper Brittany Jagger was incredible in her defensive play for the Lions.

“We’re communicating more. We’re not accepting any goals. We’re willing to take the game in our hands,” Gilmer said about the defense.

Jagger has been very solid as of late, helping the Lions to two shutout wins against Pepperdine and then against University of San Francisco.

With those two games, Jagger has recorded six shutouts in the season. Jagger’s prowess was recognized when she was awarded her second WCC Player of the Week Award by the WCC. Later on, she was also named LA Soccer News “Women’s College Player of

the Week.”

“I really, really credit the defense this year. Jagger has had the last two games where she was good,” Myers said. “The defense has been the backbone of our team this year. I think when we lose games people want to blame the defense, but it’s not really their fault. They’re kind of the unsung heroes.”

With only three games left, the Lions will have to continue pushing themselves to make a run at the playoffs.

Myers thinks that this group is good enough and willing enough to do so.

“Everyone has to take responsibility for it,” said Myers. “They’re such a good group and a tight-knit group.

They really have pushed themselves to make playoffs, and they know that they’re very close to making it happen.”

The Lions will face more WCC challenges as they start their final road trip tomorrow against Gonzaga University and play their final away game on Sunday against University of Portland.

Men integrate injured players back into lineup M. Polo from Page 12 a concussion.

“I’m excited to get back in the water and help my team toward a championship,” said Cvetkovic.

According to Loughran, the main reason for the injuries was the schedule the Lions played to begin the season. The team had 15 games in 21 days, including contests against the best in the nation.

“The two national tournaments were so close together this year that when we got out of that stretch, we couldn’t have full practices, because our guys were just worn down,” said Loughran.

Despite being plagued with injuries, the team has an opportunity to put itself in a position to compete for yet another conference championship, its ninth in the last 12 seasons.

This weekend could give the Lions much needed conference victories as they currently sit in second place in the conference standings.

Loughran, however, did not call

these games must-wins.

“We are fine as long as we are in the top-four seeds in the conference tournament,” said Loughran.

“But we want to play our best water polo going into the WWPA Championships, and we have two big conference tests this weekend.”

The Lions’ two losses in conference play have been to UC San Diego. The Lions have split the season series with the Tritons, each winning two apiece, but because UCSD won the last game, the edge goes to them for the first seed.

College water polo comes down to the conference tournament at the end of the season, as a team’s regular season games only puts them in position for the conference tournament. The Lions finished last season as the conference’s first seed but lost in the semifinal round.

Last season the UC Davis Aggies were the fourth seed in the conference championships and defeated the Lions 7-6 in three overtimes in the semifinal round. They lost, however, to UC San Diego in

the championship game.

The Aggies have struggled the second half of this season, only recording two wins in their last 11 games. The team is just coming off a 1-2 showing at The Rodeo, a tournament hosted by Santa Clara University. The Aggies lost to Brown University and Bucknell University 10-6 and 14-6, respectively.

Santa Clara, on the other hand, is seventh in the WWPA standings with a 6-6 conference record. The team is coming off another loss to Brown at The Rodeo Tournament hosted by the Broncos. The team did, however, win its previous two contests against California Baptist University and Fresno Pacific University.

The Lions are 25-8 against Santa Clara University in their history, with the Broncos’ last win coming in 2007.

The Lions’ game versus UC Davis will begin tomorrow in Davis, Calif. at 6 p.m., and the LMU-Santa Clara contest will begin Saturday at 1 p.m in Santa Clara, Calif.

Liana Biandizulis | Loyolan

Redshirt senior utility Jon Colton (above) is one of the team’s leaders, in and out of the pool. He has also scored 14 goals and 18 assists this season.

Standings Men’s Water Polo Western Water Polo Asso.

Team No. 10 UCSD No. 11 LMU No. 13 Air Force No. 16 UC Davis Whittier Chapman Santa Clara Pomona-Pitzer Claremont Occidental La Verne Redlands

WWPA 8-2 7-2 7-3 10-3 5-5 4-5 6-6 3-3 3-4 0-6 1-8 2-9

Overall 9-7 11-9 10-9 12-13 10-11 11-14 9-13 8-12 7-14 5-17 4-20 3-18

www.laloyolan.com

Lion Sports

October 25, 2012 Page 12

Soccer continues win streak The women’s soccer team looks to continue its three-game win streak in the Pacific Northwest.

By Cruz Quinonez Asst. Sports Editor

themselves athletes but who hardly workout can all join this club. I have had the pleasure of running with everyone, and it was really refreshing to have friendly competition while also meet some new people.

Members are allowed to race in invitationals and selective contests.

For those who like to be involved in charitable events such as Think Pink 5K, this is a great way to stay in shape so when the event comes, you’re not out there pulling muscles.

But it’s the service of this club that shows the character of Burnett and the students partaking in this revolutionary club.

“The MicroLearning Foundation at the Boys and Girls Club in Hollywood and Lou Dantzler [Prepatory Charter] High School are both set up for members to volunteer service hours throughout the week,” said Burnett.

Here, students are able to mentor elementary and high school students

The women’s soccer team began conference play 0-2 in the West Coast Conference (WCC). It had a choice: give up or step up.

After ripping off a three-game winstreak, it’s safe to say they stepped up.

“Once you get to conference, it’s a whole new ball game,” said Head Coach Michelle Myers. “I think that [University of San Diego] game we really felt we outplayed them, and it hurts when you outplay them and you lose on a free-kick goal.”

LMU’s two WCC losses were surprising considering how often the team won those types of close, one goal games. Until the losses against the University of San Diego (USD) and Santa Clara University, the Lions were 3-0 in games decided by one goal.

After falling twice in tough matches, the Lions kept their composure heading into a game with St. Mary’s College.

“I think we just want it more,” junior defender Etajha Gilmer said.

“Each game, we have players individually stepping up and scoring, like [junior midfielder] Darien Pyka had that big goal [a game winner against University of San Francisco]. [Against] St. Mary’s, as a whole, we came together.”

In competition with St. Mary’s, LMU’s offensive troubles ended as it relentlessly attacked the net, coming up with three goals and shots by seven different players. The Lions went on to win the game 3-2.

This sudden burst of offensive output was surprising considering that the Lions were shut out in their two previous losses. Pyka thinks that the teams’ aggressiveness is key to their offensive success.

“More people, like Ta [Etajha Gilmer] are scoring. More people are taking that risk,” Pyka said. “Before last year, nobody was willing to take that risk. This year, all our [midfielders] want to get into the box.

Nobody wants to hold back anymore.

I don’t know why this year everyone

See Moore to the Story | Page 10

See W. Soccer | Page 11

Leslie Irwin | Loyolan

Goalkeeper earns WCC Player of the Week honor for second time Junior goalkeeper Brittany Jagger received WCC Player of the Week honors for the second time this season after shutting out No. 15 Pepperdine University and University of San Francisco. Her first Player of the Week honors came after the Lions tied No. 1 UCLA 1-1. The Lions are now 3-2 in conference play and travel to take on Gonzaga University and University of Portland this weekend.

Running for Others mentors students The recreational track team on campus gives back to the community at large.

N

ew on campus this year is Running for Others, an organization to help students stay in shape while giving back to the community. That’s right: a club dedicated to keeping students from gaining that freshman 15, sophomore 20, etc.

Along with this, you will have the opportunity to help mentor youth in Los Angeles neighborhoods in order to keep them foMoore to the Story cused and on the path to becoming

By Andrew Moore college scholars Sports Intern just like yourself some day.

Sophomore political science major Kyle Burnett had a great idea to start a club this summer after realizing how much he missed being on a team and competing. He was forced to take a year of hiatus from track because LMU only has a distance team, so he took the initiative to help those like him who wanted to continue to be involved with sports.

“Exercising in general is something I just love to do. It helps relieve stress and makes my day flow better,” Burnett said. He felt that it was necessary to begin a track club in order to continue to run, which he is incredibly passionate about.

Running for Others is a recreational track club “...emphasizing the importance of physical fitness and service.” Burnett explained.

While also recruiting fellow students, Burnett added, “People interested in this club do not have to be prime athletes.”

And that is what makes this club so special: Athletes, non-athletes and people like myself who call

Critical conference games await Lions The men’s water polo team travels North to face UC Davis and Santa Clara in back-to-back games.

By Dan Raffety Asst. Managing Editor

Stephen Douglas | Loyolan

Freshman attacker Emanuael Di Stasio (22) takes a shot in Saturday’s loss to conference rival UC San Diego. The Lions have two more conference tests this weekend.

This is not the typical week for the No. 11 Lions.

The men’s water polo team, coming off three straight losses to No. 1 USC, then No. 11 UCSD and then No. 10 Long Beach State, are heading up to Northern California to face conference rivals UC Davis, who knocked the Lions out of the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) tournament last season, and Jesuit counterpart Santa Clara University, whom the Lions already defeated 16-9 in the second game of the SoCal Tournament.

The Lions are currently in a threegame losing streak for the first time since 2007.

The team dealt with three injured

starters out of the lineup for the last three weeks due to concussions and shoulder injuries, and are dealing with integrating multiple players back into the starting lineup.

“This is the first week that we have had a full practice with everyone here in multiple weeks,” said Head Coach John Loughran. “We had one day last week, then played a game, had another day of practice and then another game. We didn’t have time to get settled.”

Sophomore attacker Matt Stipanovich and junior two-meter John Mikuzis returned for the club against Long Beach State, with Stipanovich scoring two goals.

“After being out two and a half weeks, I’m just working on getting back in shape,” said Mikuzis. “I’m getting back into it.”

Sophomore sensation Joe Ferretti is out for the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury and had surgery last Friday. Freshman two-meter Vuk Cvetkovic has resumed activity and will play this weekend after he was also out with

See M. Polo | Page 11